PARTNERPLAN

121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN T: +44 (0)131 225 5722 E: world@churchofscotland.org.uk

Scottish Charity Number: SCO11353

Joel Githinji - Nepal April 2016

United Mission to Nepal

PO Box 126 KATHMANDU

Nepal Greetings from Nepal It is now summer in Nepal with an average temperature of 27 degree Celsius during the day in Kathmandu and over 32 degrees Celsius in Terai region. Kathmandu now ranked as the third most polluted city in the world. It was great relief for Nepalese to have Indian–Nepali border reopened again. However there is still shortage of cooking gas. The Nepali Madhesis agitating community that shares strong cultural and family bonds with India demanded demarcation of provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies based on population and proportional representation. This led India to impose Nepal-India blockade so that their demands immediately addressed. The Government of Nepal had promised to address the issues raised by the Madhesis group though the agitating party had called it ‘too little and too less’ even after the Constitution was amended by the government. Later Nepal's agitating Madhesis called off their nearly five-month long blockade at the Indo- Nepal border, bringing relief to the country suffering severe shortages of fuel, medicine and other supplies. The schools, restaurants and transport businesses re-opened. The medicine, agricultural supplies, construction materials and petroleum product became available apart from cooking gas, which is still scarce in the market. In Nepal, a loss of $1bn incurred during the strikes over constitution than during and after the earthquake. The devastating earthquake of April 25 and subsequent aftershocks shaved an estimated Nepali Rupees 36.52 billion of the projected GDP of Fiscal year 2014-2015 limiting economic growth to 3.04 percent. Nepal has so far experienced 445 aftershocks because of the major earthquake that occurred in May last year. People still live in fear with uncertainty, as most of the buildings are not resilient to earthquake.

The Disaster and local Church training was conducted in Nawalparasi for eight local churches. The church members realised that they have some variety of skills and resources to respond and take action to reduce people’s vulnerability to hazards in communities.

Facilitators in Church doing orientation on hazards and disasters preparedness in Rukum

PARTNERPLAN

121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN T: +44 (0)131 225 5722 E: world@churchofscotland.org.uk

Scottish Charity Number: SCO11353

Nepal Government is becoming strict on Religious freedom as the proposed law stands in contradiction to the new constitutional provisions, which speak about freedom of religion, but also promises to punish through law acts of converting a person from one religion to another (Article 26 of the Constitution). Neither the Constitution nor the proposed bill mentions coercion. The Constitution qualifies the term "secular" with protection of traditional religion and culture along with religious and cultural freedoms (Article 4 of the Constitution).The Constitution provides for freedom of opinion and expression, but restricts them in several cases including on any act which may undermine 'harmonious relations' between people of various religions or communities. Moreover, the proposed law contradicts the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both signed by Nepal. Offence related to Religion: - No converting of another's religion

No one should convert other's religion or do it in an organized way or incite it. No one should act or behave in way that disturbs the traditional religion, belief or faith in

any caste, ethnic group or denomination, or to convert to another religion with or without enticement that disturbs, or with any other intention – such religion or belief should not be preached.

Anyone committing offense as per Clause (1 bullet) and (2 bullet) shall be imprisoned for five years and fined up to 50,000 Nepalese Rupees

If the offender as per Clause (1 bullet) and (2 bullet) is a foreign national, s/he should be repatriated from Nepal within seven days of completing the imprisonment according to this Article

In the midst of these challenges, most churches are boldly committed and developing new strategies to reached the unreached with the Gospel for the next five years. The universal church in Nepal is growing fast The UMN Health Inter cluster review meeting went well in Pokhara. UMN and Partners did planning and budgeting for the next fiscal year. I talked about the importance of mainstreaming HIV into other development sector as opportunity for the vulnerable group to have access to preventive information. I provided technical support when developing proposal for Faith based HIV work and Safe Migration for Doti that was sent to potential donors. The churches in Sunsari and Rupandehi continue to demonstrate the love of God through supporting people living with HIV and those affected by earthquake. It is encouraging hearing testimonies about how lives are transformed

Hazard mapping during PADR process in Koilefedi Disaster Management Committee meeting in Deurali VDC

PARTNERPLAN

121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN T: +44 (0)131 225 5722 E: world@churchofscotland.org.uk

Scottish Charity Number: SCO11353

through generosity and hope through our Lord Jesus Christ. The word of God's when applied in development sector create new opportunities for people to understanding the divine plan of God or God's mission to the world and the role of each one of us. The partners implementing HIV working continued to engage youth as peer educators on HIV and other health issues. There was lots of emphasis on HIV test, treatment adherence, good nutrition, hygiene and sanitation to improving quality of life for people living with HIV. A Peer Education manual encompassing different

health issues will be developed and shared with peer educators and partners. We have developed a detailed monitoring tool for partners to be able to follow up the health status and support to people living with HIV.

I participated in the National Integral Mission consultation meeting organized by MICAH Network Nepal and UMN. The 143 participants came from different churches, Bible Schools and NGOs all over Nepal. The theme was mainly understanding of God’s Mission and the role of the church as local change agent in transformation. The Minister for Science and Technology officially opened the meeting with emphasis that all religious groups are to be respected equally. The learning from the consultation will be shared during the 3rd Church and community mobilisation process review in Dhading. The Ebenezer Bible College principal Mr. Kumar shared about the Integral Mission curriculum implemented and other courses offered to theological student including HIV and AIDS. A self-help group of people living with HIV started in Sunsari and all beneficiaries enrolled in the group becoming a platform for sharing information, learning and supporting each other. They expressed satisfaction with the services received from UMN partner NJSS. My future plan is to strengthen the group in advocacy, networking and resource mobilisation. The story of Kamala Khadka who lives with HIV was very encouraging and inspiring. She says “the more she discloses her status the more she feels like walking in freedom.” In Itahari the church leader's ability to mobilize church resources is highly commendable. The Peer educators of Ekamba and Pakali were enthusiastic in providing HIV education to other peers however; a mixed group of peers of age 20-30 will be required to reach the adult population.

Men's March against gender violence to women and girls during International Women's Day. Although the group had hoped for a turnout of 300 men but only 70 participated.

Kamala Khadka with her child both living with HIVPrayers during Easter celebration organised by one of the partners in Nawalparasi District in Nepal

PARTNERPLAN

121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN T: +44 (0)131 225 5722 E: world@churchofscotland.org.uk

Scottish Charity Number: SCO11353

The next Plan of action for the next quarter:

I will be involved in the Disaster and Local Church training for church leaders in Rukum while Integral Mission Officer from Rupandehi will provide support for the same training in Nawalparasi in April and May respectively

I will visit Dhading for a 3rd Training of trainers review on Community and Church mobilisation process. Dhading is one of the target districts where we are developing a model for Church and community mobilisation process.

I will visit partners implementing HIV, discussion about their long-term plans and explore areas of capacity needs.

I will liaise with 2 Bible schools to schedule HIV training for new the Theological students Continue to build capacity of UMN staff and partners to integrate HIV into other Thematic

areas so as to address the needs of people living with HIV Follow-up churches that have been involved in creating awareness on HIV in communities

and to seek ways and means of scaling up their work in Sunsari and Rupandehi I will be involved in exploring the capacity and the passion of A Christian organization

interested to mobilise the youth through churches on health issues in Dhading. I will work together with Learning, policy and strategy team in documenting the impact and

learning's during the development and implementation of the HIV course book for grade 7, 8 and 9 students in Doti District.

I will have a meeting with Dhading DRR staff and plan for TOT for church leaders on Disaster and Local Church. The Dhading Disaster Risk Reduction team works for those affected by earthquake in Dhading.

Support staff in compiling proposals and reports Participate in Technical forum team meeting and other networking meetings

Answered prayer: The India-Nepal border blockade lifted and closed institutions and businesses reopened. Please pray for:

Some of the People living with HIV who are in AIDS stage, their families and children. There are those who have not disclosed their status and failing to seek health care and support.

The Christians leaders and others who have decide to continue with their ministry in Nepal. They need protection and strength to overcome the future challenges due to restriction of religious freedom.

My family in the USA - Agnes is doing the final prerequisite and she is applying for a full programme on Occupation Therapy, Grace is applying to join University and Francis is still in Grade 11. I will visit my family in July this year.

The outgoing UMN Executive Director Dr Mark Galpin, Technical Director Jerry Clewett, Communication Director Lyn and their families and thank God for their dedication in serving the poor, seeking justice for those oppressed and marginalised.

My visits for training and follow-ups in different districts

Thank you for all your prayer and support. God bless you all Joel, Agnes, Grace and Francis